Despite the rich African American history, St. Augustine remained one of the hottest beds of White supremacy and White privilege.
Black History Month
“Early in life, I somehow got the feeling that I could succeed even if I were a member of a minority group… I knew that I would have to work hard and never give up. I would have to take many affronts, but if I kept my personal integrity, nothing could defeat me.” — Cecil E. Newman
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in an effort to recognize African Americans in a history often void of their accomplishments. Surprisingly, this lack of recognition of African Americans and their contributions to society exists even now, almost a century after Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week, now Black History Month.
Woodson recognized that if Blacks are unaware of their victories, they are more susceptible to give in to defeat under the weight of oppression. Our stories of triumph serve as a roadmap to future successes.
We hope you enjoy the stories of triumph offered in our Black History Month special section and in each and every week of the MSR.
Posted inBlack History Month
Slave-built infrastructure still creates U.S. wealth, suggesting reparations should cover past and current value of slavery
The fact that centuries-old relics of slavery still support the economy of the United States suggests that reparations for slavery would need to go beyond government payments.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
Black Inventors and Innovators: Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones invented the first automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks.
Posted inBlack History Month
When Black kids—shut out from the world of children’s lit—took matters into their own hands
The Brownies’ Book gave African American children a platform to explore their lives, interests and aspirations.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
Reparations: a philosophical exploration
Of all the details that need to be addressed in devising a workable plan for reparations, perhaps none is as immediate as the question of reparations for what, exactly?
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
2021 Black History Month online events (updated)
Enjoy a few of the many local online events in honor of Black History Month.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
The Ebenezer Creek Massacre, a prelude to ‘40 Acres and a Mule’
Thousands of freed slaves drowned at Ebenezer Creek after the Union army betrayed and abandoned them.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured, National, News
Biden administration to ‘speed up’ Harriet Tubman $20 bill redesign delayed by Trump
‘The Treasury Department is taking steps to put Harriet Tubman on the front of the new $20 notes,’ White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.
Posted inBlack History Month, MLK Legacy Section, Opinion, Special Editions
MLK influence felt in George Floyd protests
People across the world took to the streets to nonviolently protest the police killing of George Perry Floyd in their cities.
Posted inBlack History Month, MLK Legacy Section, National, News, Special Editions
MLK called for a revolution of values
MLK’s speech “Beyond Vietnam,” delivered at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967, spoke out against U.S. violence and the war in Vietnam.
Posted inBlack History Month, National, News
65 years ago today: Rosa Parks sparked a movement
Sixty-five years ago today, Rosa Parks made history and helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
Posted inBlack History Month, Special Editions, Sports
Legendary referee reflects on triumphs and trials as local history-maker
Jim Robinson for many years was among the few Black officials who regularly worked boys’ basketball games in the area.
Posted inBlack History Month, Opinion
John Lewis’ contribution to U.S. democracy should not be forgotten
When John Lewis left us, editorials and columns paid tribute to his leadership, his courage, and his moral example. The praise was well deserved.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured, Sports
What was lost with the Negro Leagues
During the half-century that baseball was divided by a color line, Black America created a sporting world of its own.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured
Black history interwoven with suffrage centennial
The passage of the 19th Amendment was won after a 72-year long struggle led by a number of prominent women, including one Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913).
Posted inBlack History Month
Black History Month Events: Feb. 26-29
Each week this month, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder editors will share their top picks for free or low-cost events celebrating Black History Month.
Posted inBlack History Month, Featured, Sports
U of M Gopher football sports some ugly racial history – Part 2
This story looks back at a time when racism was even more flagrant, leading to the death of an Iowa State Black student-athlete Jack Trice.
Posted inArts + Culture, Black History Month, Featured
Black History Month Events: Feb. 14-21
Each week this month, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder editors will share their top picks for free or low-cost events celebrating Black History Month.
Posted inBlack History Month
How Black pastors resisted Jim Crow and White pastors incited racial violence
Religion was no barrier for Southern lynch mobs intent on terror. White pastors joined the KKK, incited racial violence and took part in lynchings. Sometimes, the victim was a preacher.
Posted inBlack History Month, Gophers/College, Sports
U of M Gopher football sports some ugly racial history
Our community needs to know the tragic history of Ozzie Simmons.